Mullins hoping Accidental is blessed with ability on debut at Limerick

Have you gone to your local watering hole over the festive period, fully expecting to be tucked into bed at a reasonable time later in the evening, only to find yourself singing Fairytale of New York in the early hours?

They say it’s the nights you don’t plan that turn out to be best. Just imagine if that logic applied to the breeding industry? Mags Mullins would have a potential champion on her hands as Accidental – probably the best-named horse running this week – certainly wasn’t planned.

Accidental by name and accidental by nature. The story begins in November 2011, when Miguel Angel, believed to have been gelded at the time, was put out to pasture with subsequent Grade 1-winning novice hurdler Airlie Beach.

But Miguel Angel had not been gelded and, perhaps understandably, any angelic qualities did not trump natural instincts. Nature took its course and Miguel Angel, who would go on to win a maiden hurdle at Tramore – hardly worthy of a place at stud – covered Airlie Beach.

Miguel Angel was, belatedly, gelded, meaning that Accidental, who makes his debut in the 2m maiden hurdle (2.10) at Limerick on Friday, will be his first and only runner.

Mullins is expecting the five-year-old, owned by her nephew and ten-time champion amateur rider Patrick, will improve for the run.

“He's Accidental anyway, that's for sure,” said Mullins said on Thursday. “I haven't had him that long and he'll probably need the run but we'll see where we go from here."

Accidental will need to be blessed with plenty of ability, as well as a remarkable backstory, to overcome Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle ante-post favourite Annamix, who makes his eagerly anticipated debut for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci, having missed last season.

He has been the subject of bullish reports, hence his position at the head of the betting for the Cheltenham Festival curtain-raiser.

Farclas bids to rediscover Triumph form

The feature race on the third afternoon of Limerick's Christmas festival is the Grade 3 Irish Independent Hurdle (1.40).

The race might be short of numbers – only five have been declared – but does not lack for quality and Gigginstown boss Eddie O'Leary is hoping last season's Triumph Hurdle winner Farclas can recapture his winning groove for Gordon Elliott.

O'Leary said: "He had a wind operation at the beginning of the season, so he would have needed his reappearance run badly.

"We're hoping he's come on from that run. The trip is a bit on the short side but the ground will suit. It looks a good race.”

Willie Mullins has obvious claims with Saglawy and Stormy Ireland, while the Gavin Cromwell-trained Espoir D'Allen will be bidding to follow up his fortunate Grade 3 win at Naas last month.

Owner JP McManus's racing manager Frank Berry said: "It looks a good race but Gavin has been very happy with Espoir D'Allen and we're hoping for a good run."

The field is completed by Flan Costello's Masterstonemason, who looks to have a lot on his plate strictly on ratings.

Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com